A leaking pipe can cause major problems for your entire home. If you ignore even what appears to be a small leak long enough, the water can wreak havoc through your home. Poor water quality, warped and stained walls, invasive black mold, and flooding are some of the ways leaky pipes can damage your whole house and end up costing a fortune.
If you see a warped or stained wall in your home, it is most likely from a leaking pipes. If left unchecked, this damage can lower the value of your home, costing you greatly in the future if you plan to sell it. Having to replace a wall and the plumbing behind it can be costly as well.
Extra moisture in your home from a dripping pipe can lead to mold growth. Mold typically grows in bathrooms, but it can also be found under sinks and behind walls. Mold from leaking pipes can cause serious health problems and must be addressed promptly. The longer it is ignored the worse the damage will be, costing you even more.
The worst possible thing that could happen with unaddressed leaks is, of course, flooding. All it takes is one pipe to burst and a deluge of water will come through your home. It can be costly and time-consuming to fix water damage from flooding. It’s much more affordable to keep it from becoming a problem in the first place! If you hear or see a drip, make sure you address it before it becomes a bigger issue.
Is a leaking pipe an emergency?
If you discover a water leak in your house that’s large enough for you to, well, see it, then you’ve definitely got a plumbing problem on your hands. If the water does not stop dripping or starts dripping faster and gets progressively worse, you’ve got a plumbing emergency that needs to be addressed as soon as possible.
Will a frozen pipe always burst?
It’s important to note that pipes do not always burst when they’re frozen, or while in the process of freezing. The damage occurs after the pipe freezes, usually causing a ripping in the pipe from water expansion. The “burst” happens after a pipe has frozen and begins to thaw—water will come out of the “tear” at the pressure which was originally frozen. However, there are rare instances in which a pipe will become disformed from being frozen and not tear. Keep in mind that there will be no guessing in which event occurred: if there’s a tsunami of water from your wall after a freeze, it’s safe to say you have a burst pipe.
What happens when pipe bursts?
Burst pipes cause water to flow into your home, which can lead to flooding and damage to floors, ceilings, walls, wiring and other structural components. The moisture that follows flooding can cause mold growth if it’s not cleaned up properly. If a pipe bursts keep CALM. Turn off the main water supply to you house. You can also turn off the valve that supplies water to the hot water tank. If you are not familiar with these valves, get a professional to show you and have them clearly marked in case of an emergency.
Does homeowner's insurance cover water damage?
Your homeowners insurance policy should cover any sudden and unexpected water damage due to a plumbing malfunction or broken pipe. However, most home insurance policies exclude damage to your home that occurred gradually, such as a slow, constant leak, as well as damage due to regional flooding. Double check with your insurance provider to find out what type of coverage you have.
Leaking Pipes?
We can help you!
Book a time for your service call
Contact us today to get a quote or book a time for your service call. We provide fast, reliable service in Calgary, Airdrie and the surrounding area.
